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Healthiest Dog Breeds

By Jessica Remitz

Although it’s nearly impossible to predict which breed of dog will live the longest or be the healthiest, there are certain breeds that seem to have lower instances of genetic diseases, bone-related injuries and conditions relating to their skin and coat. Take a look at which breeds are thought to be among the healthiest and how to help your dog live a long, healthy life, below.

Australian Cattle Dog

While there’s no way to prove which breed is the healthiest, some working breeds, including Australian Cattle Dogs, may be among those with the least number of health-related issues.

“Unfortunately, there’s no hard data that provides a scientific answer,” said Jennifer Coates, DVM in Fort Collins, Colorado and veterinary advisor to petMD.com. “In my experience, dogs that are still being bred to do a job tend to be the healthiest.”

Australian Cattle Dogs have been traditionally used for cattle herding and have remained popular working dogs because of their intelligence, problem solving skills and soft but assertive bites with cattle. With a lifespan of about 10 to 13 years, Australian Cattle Dogs make excellent companions to high-energy families or on-the-go owners. Major health concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and deafness.

Foxhound

Another working breed listed as one of the healthiest by Coates, Foxhounds have been primarily used for foxhunting and, because of their working dog genes, may be healthier than dogs bred for show.

“When breeders focus on function instead of just good looks, they naturally weed out the dogs that develop debilitating illnesses or injuries,” Coates explained.

With a lifespan of 11 to 13 years, Foxhounds make an excellent choice for families who live in rural areas or on large farms and are not prone to many major health problems. They require moderate daily exercise in the form of a walk or jog and need minimal grooming aside from an occasional brushing.

German Shorthaired Pointer

An all-purpose hunting dog known for its intelligence and proficiency with many different types of game and sport, the German Shorthaired Pointer is another healthy breed, according to Coates. With an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, German Shorthaired Pointers are prone to health concerns like hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. A high-energy breed that requires plenty of daily exercise, German Shorthaired Pointers will need plenty of access to the outdoors and, like all breeds, require mental stimulation throughout the day.

“Providing dogs with mental stimulation, physical exercise and maintaining them at a healthy weight will go a long ways towards keeping any dog healthy, regardless of its breed,” Coates shared.

Border Collie

Another high-energy breed renowned for its agility, intelligence and obedience, Coates lists the Border Collie as one of healthiest. With a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, Border Collies are prone to health problems including seizures and hypothyroidism. A breed that is eager to please with a high level of trainability, Border Collies should be provided with plenty of daily exercise as well as regular access to the outdoors.

Mixed Breed

With a unique genetic markup and a lower level of inbreeding, mixed breed dogs are generally among the healthiest, Coates said.

“A recent study showed that mix breed dogs were significantly less likely to develop ten genetically based diseases, including some types of heart disease, musculoskeletal problems, allergic skin disease and hyperthyroidism,” she added.

Chihuahua

Known for being the smallest breed in the world, Chihuahua’s are loyal, intelligent, and among the healthiest breeds, according to Denise Petryk, DVM and director of veterinary services at Trupanion pet insurance. With an average lifespan of 14 to 18 years, Chihuahua’s are known to suffer from health conditions including hypoglycemia, patellar luxation and pulmonic stenosis, a heart valve disorder. A smooth-coated Chihuahua requires minimal grooming while longhaired varieties require brushing two to three times a week. Because of their size, Chihuahuas require minimal exercise beyond a short walk.

Havanese

Compared to other dogs of the same size, Petryk also lists the Havanese among healthy breeds. A popular friendly pet known for its friendly demeanor, Havanese live between 12 to 14 years and suffer from health problems including patellar luxation, deafness and elbow dysplasia. A non-shedding breed that requires brushing several times per week to prevent tangles, the Havanese breed requires short walks to meet their exercise needs.

In addition to keeping your pup fit, Petryk also recommends offering your dog high quality food and treats to help them stay healthy.

Australian Shepherd

With relatively few claims for bone-related injuries as well as conditions related to the coat and skin, Australian Shepherds are also relatively healthy, according to Petryk. An all-purpose farm dog, Australian Shepherds are intelligent, obedient and agile and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. With an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, the breed is prone to health issues including hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and Collie Eye Anomaly, an inherited congenital eye condition. Australian Shepherds require minimal grooming beyond an occasional combing and, as with all dog breeds, Petryk recommends giving your dog regular, high quality flea and tick prevention with products recommended by your veterinarian to maintain its health.

Labradoodle

A popular mixed breed that is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, Petryk lists Labradoodles among those with relatively few claims for bone-related injuries and conditions related to the coat and skin. The breed’s coat should be shampooed and brushed regularly and trimmed at least twice a year. They may suffer from health conditions commonly seen in its parent breeds including hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease and eye disorders including progressive retinal atrophy.

To ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life, Petryk recommends establishing a relationship with a veterinarian you like and keeping up-to-date with any preventative vaccinations they suggest. She also advises pet owners to schedule annual physical examinations for their dogs, including dental assessments.

Siberian Husky

A medium-sized dog renowned for its abilities as a sled and racing dog, the Siberian Husky is relatively healthy compared to other breeds of the same size, Petryk said. While the breed is still used as a working dog, it has also become a loving pet for active families and those who love the outdoors. With a lifespan of 11 to 13 years, Siberian Huskies may suffer from health problems including progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism and cataracts.

In addition to establishing a relationship with a veterinarian you trust, Petryk suggests becoming familiar with you local emergency and specialty hospitals, learning to provide pet first aid and getting pet insurance to prepare yourself in case your dog has a health-related emergency.

When I read the headline of this article ,it said "Healthiest dog breeds " Unless I am mistaken a ladbraddodle is not a dog breed.it is just a high priced mutt.
While I do love mutts ,don't you dare compare the two.
You might want to begin by firing the writers butt and then do a little research!! you morons

Well first of all, you spelled almost every other word wrong.
Secondly, I think that they were just trying to make a guideline for people looking for a healthy dog to adopt, so it doesn't matter if a labradoodle is a purebred breed of dog or not.
Thirdly, although a labradoodle is not a recognized breed- just a designer hybrid, it does meet the definition of a "breed" of dog. Dog breeds are defined as: "groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic dogs, which are all of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris, having characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans."
Designer dogs are NEVER mutts, technically or otherwise.

I must ask: were you referring to me when you posted: " " Well first of all, you spelled almost every other word wrong "?
If so,please point out my errors .I always enjoy learning.
Secondly, If you have a specific breed, a breed recognized my the AKC and the CKC ,possibly more , then you have a specific breed , when you breed one of thses to another dog with the same credentials you have a mix of the two breeds,neither of which is recognized by AKC CKC etc. that is a mutt.
if it walks like a duck ,quacks like a duck and looks like a duck well,,,,
I look forward to your response
Thanks Watson

I apologize for saying that. As I look back on the post, I realize that it was not "spelling" that I was referring to, but something more like "crammer". I honestly don't even know why I said that- and I shouldn't have, since it is really not important. As far as I know, a "mutt" is 2 or more breeds. When it is two breeds, to be a "mutt" it would have to be a mix of 2 non-purebred dogs that was NOT the result of breeding (developed by natural selection). A crossbred, or "designer," dog is the mix of two strictly purebred dogs that were intentionally created by humans (developed by artificial selection). However, I'm in no place to argue that a Labradoodle is not a "breed" of dog by any definition. I just wanted to say that a Labradoodle was not a mutt (although I'm sure that at least one unfixed Poodle-ish dog/bitch and Golden Retriever-ish dog/bitch have reproduced without the owner prompting it [or it happening with stay dogs/bitches]). I like Labradoodles, but they certainly aren't very "healthy" dogs-so I'll agree with you that "firing the writer[']s butt and then do[ing] a little research!!" would be a very good idea. Personally, I am a "mutt" person though- I have one that I labeled as a "Bichon Frise" on this site because that's as close as I could get without saying that he was a "mixed breed" (which is a nicer synonym for "mutt"). He looks like a Bichon mixed with a Miniature Poodle, but he's all white and looks much more like a Bichon except for the length of his muzzle and the texture of his tail. He's really just a shelter mix- so I do like mutts, I just don't believe that a Labradoodle is one.

A mutt is a mutt - as in ANY mix breed. Doesn't have to be derogatory, I've had mutts that were absolute gems and worth having, but you don't argue your case by being ignorant or insisting that "labradoodles" are a breed.

Again. If two purebreds were selectively bred by humans, then the result is a "designer" dog. Not a breed, but not a mutt. A mutt was not selectively bred by people, and may have 20 different breeds mixed in.

NO --- the result is a mutt, there is NO such thing as a "designer dog", that is a fake, trumped up designation made up by con artists trying to sell expensive mutts to clueless buyers.
Mutts do NOT breed true - not labradoodles, not any mutt. The whole point of AKC pedigrees is to establish actual breeds that breed true - and that is not done in a couple of generations of careless breeding, it is complicated, difficult, accurate and takes time.

I am NOT a breeder, I rescue. Your adamant, erroneous insistence on a distinct middle point of "designer dog" makes me think YOU might be one of those conning "breeders" of mutts passed off as "designer" dogs.

I think people should STOP breeding! Too many dogs already .(And FAR too many humans!)
Even pure breds have problems and are dumped.
And the AKC is well known for giving certs. of approval to puppy mill types of places.
I applaud you for working in shelters.

I'm confused at these comments. Is this an argument here? I have a goldendoodle pup and absolutely love him. I have had "mutts" all my life, lab mixes, healer mixes, little mutts. When I choose a furry friend, it is always 2 sided. I have done lots of research on the doodles cause I loved my labs and my husband had poodles that he loved. You know the childhood memories. Who cares if it is pedigree? If I could have found my doodle at a rescue, I would have gotten one there. I will probably look for a friend for my doodle at a local shelter. You guys just all sound so uptight about these dogs. Are you that way about people? I'm a mutt. I'm Italian and English, I'm also well trained and friendly. Cause my folks were that way. My doodle will be a wonderful friendly dog cause I will train him with lots of love and discipline. Not cause he is a pedigree of anykind

Labradoodles do not consistently produce the similar characteristics to qualify as a breed. Typically, They are made by using two different breeds. When two breeds are united, it produces a mutt, not a breed. The definition of breed is that they have common ancestors and a consistency of characteristics tics as defined by a kennel club.

There are no spelling errors in Watson's post and Watson is dead on accurate about what a breed of dog is.
Just because you put 2 AKC breeds together, you do not automatically and magically get a new breed of dog -- you get a mutt - whether it is a mix of 10 breeds or 2.
You are the sort of sorry, misinformed buyer for "designer breeds" and the reason so many scuzzy back yard breeders and puppy mills are in business.
Educate yourself before you criticize others.

Don't you think that sounds offensive? No one (I encourage you to read our comments, as you will realize that not a single person called a Labradoodle a breed.) is encouraging backyard breeding in these comments. Like, at all. No one said mixes were breeds, we were stating that not all mixes are mutts.

Again, since you seem resistant to the truth --- ALL mixes are mutts -- it's the same thing said with 2 different words.

I don't care if you find my posts offensive because, after rescuing dogs for 20 years and being on the board of a breed rescue for over 12 years, I can say in all honesty, that it is people like you who fudge reality that encourage the over breeding of the poor dogs that end up dying on the streets or euthanized in shelters.
Who do you think breeds mutts??????
It is either money grubbing liars who breed "designer breeds" bought by clueless people who think they have something special, or irresponsible idiots who don't spay/neuter their pets and let them wander and breed more unwanted puppies.

Face it, mixes are mutts, mutts are mixes, and they come from somewhere by the millions - and it isn't from responsible breeders who care about their animals.

Once more, to be plain and get it through to you (if that's possible) a mix is a mutt, period.
No matter if 2 breeds are involved or 20 -- it's a mix breed MUTT.

I didn't find it offensive, personally, it just sounded like you are uncaring of other people.

"You are the sort of sorry, misinformed buyer for "designer breeds" and the reason so many scuzzy back yard breeders and puppy mills are in business."

And I'll have you know that I'd never. Only mill puppies I've ever had were after the mill was shut down- the over-breed and left-for-dead mothers. I also don't approved of any breeding as of now, we have enough wonderful ones in the shelters that deserve homes just as much as fuzzy over-priced purebred puppies. I find you judgmental, but you'd have to try much harder than that to offend me.

I don't understand why people on this site are so defensive, judgmental, and (in some cases) straight out mean. If I knew if be starting a war instead of a discussion, I'd have found someone else to discuss it with.

All the back peddling in the world does not change the fact that you stated there were "designer dogs" that are not mutts --- you are WRONG, all mix breeds are mutts.

Your babble about being "nice", etc. don't do a thing to educate people about the sorry plight of all the unwanted dogs that are euthanized every day for lack of homes --- pedigree dogs as well as mutts.
Last thing we need are more "oops" litters of mutts or "designer" hyped mutts.

I don't care if you are offended by the truth, and I sure know you don't help in a shelter or rescue or you would not be posting such absolute drivel.

Educate yourself, be part of the solution, not the problem of unwanted dogs that die for lack of homes.

That's another thing. Everyone is a know-it-all. I don't help out at rescues and shelters? I sure as hell do.
And no one can handle the idea that they might be wrong. They are right, period. They are right because of the single fact that they SAID they are right.

I never preached about being nice. I believe you were the one tooting your own horn earlier, not me. I simply was refuting the fact that I was "the sort of sorry, misinformed buyer for "designer breeds" and the reason so many scuzzy back yard breeders and puppy mills are in busines". I wasn't preaching about how great I am, I was showing you that you can't throw people under the bus for things that you don't know are true.

Everyone here is also a know-it-all. For your information, I do volunteer at rescues and shelters.
And no one can bear the thought that they might be wrong. Everyone is always right. Some people are right simply because they SAY that they are right.

I never put on a show of how nice I was. I refuting your statement, that I am not "the sort of sorry, misinformed buyer for "designer breeds" and the reason so many scuzzy back yard breeders and puppy mills are in business." I was never preaching of how great I was, I was trying to show the point that you cannot throw people under the bus for things that you don't know are true. You know what assuming does?

I don't even care about what a breed is anymore. Im sick of the ignorant fast-judging people who feel the need to discredit me by accusing me of awful things I have never done or approved of.

I don't give a firetruck about this. Who even cares? There are many articles with titles with incorrect words in them. No one needed to attack anyone over a bloody definition.

Webster
Mutt: a mongrel dog
Mongrel: an individual resulting from the interbreeding of diverse breeds or strains; especially : one of unknown ancestry

Oxford
Mutt: humorous or derogatory A dog, especially a mongrel:
Mongrel: A dog of no definable type or breed:

While saying that a "designer breed" is a mutt may be inflammatory, it is not wrong. It is inappropriate, however, to judge someone as uncaring because they refuse to give in to the falsity that a "designer breed" is more than a mongrel/mutt. The term is an advertising ploy.

Purebred is reserved for those animals that, when mated, will BREED TRUE. Meaning a majority of the offspring will have similar visual features, size and, often, have a similar temperament.

To be fair, several breeds started out as mutts/mongrels. It took many generations of breeding before the offspring had predictable characteristics. Some St. Bernard Dogs have Newfoundland Dog ancestry. Newfoundlands were used as stock for Leonbergers. There are also some breeds that had to be bred back using other breeds as the line was unstable or the breed was dying out, like the Hovawart.

I, personally, don’t support breeding as there are many, many unwanted animals euthanized every day. I, too, do not use the term “designer breed” or crossbred. For me, it’s not just a case of backyard breeding. It is also about people needing to have “things/labels” rather than wanting a living/breathing thing for companionship. Does the breed matter so much? I mean, they too could have a “Curbside Setter” if they just went to the pound. It’s just as furry, playful and loving as the dog next door.

I am beginning to question humanity's ability to read. I have never, in my entire life, said a designer dog was a purebred. I 100% agree with your definitions, as you can see above. As you would also see, if you read a single word of my comments, I did not call foodie uncaring for not agreeing with me. That's just low. If you can read English, I encourage you to reread. He (or she for all we know) attacked me for not agreeing with him (or her). I cannot believe people who half read things, and then tell me I'm wrong with the proof of the exact things I used in my argument. You seem to have the same views as mine, but in a totally different manner. I read the person who is supposedly opposing me's comments.

A poodle and a labrador are NOT similar breeds. A mongrel of which a labradoodle is one is defined as mon·grel
ˈmäNGɡrəl,ˈməNGɡrəl/
noun
a dog of no definable type or breed.
"a lovable mongrel puppy"
synonyms: cross-bred, of mixed breed, half-breed, mixed "a mongrel bitch"
any other animal resulting from the crossing of different breeds or types.
synonyms: cross-breed, cross, mixed breed, half-breed;

A 'breed' is a is a dog that when bred with another dog that is of the same breed will produce a dog discernible as the same breed as the parents. A labradoodle bred with another labradoodle will not produce a dog that is discernible as the same breed as the parents. This is called type and mongrels cannot reproduce type. Type is what separates one breed from another. There is also a written standard for the breed. There is no written standard for the labradoodle or any other 'doodle' dogs or 'poo' dogs, etc.

Ok, so I am not the best when it comes to breeds, mixes, and what-not but, I will agree with Corgilady's comment. I have 3 dogs. The one I posted on here (I can't find her anywhere) is our female, Wilma. She is mixed with Blue Heeler and Black Lab. Our only male, Fred (who is now neutered) is mixed with Red Heeler and Border Collie. Wilma had puppies 3 times before we fixed Fred. I live in Idaho and the farmers love cattle dogs and that is what Heelers are the best for. Every single person who bought a puppy from us (who was a farmer) told us the mixed breeds are healthier and smarter. Again, I am not claiming to know-it-all, I am simply passing on what was told to us as pups were sold. I would also like to add that we sold the puppies for a very cheap price due to not knowing what awesome puppies we had. We were told by one farmer, who's fur baby passed, that mixed bred Heelers are the best for what they need them for and they traveled from Utah just to purchase one of our pups! They couldn't decide on which one to get so, they bought 2! Anyway! What I was agreeing with was what the puppies look like. Our third dog (Pebbles) is Fred and Wilma's pup. She is mostly black with a white chest. You would never guess she came from Fred and Wilma! She looks nothing at all like either one of them. A lot of Wilma's puppies looked like her and there were a few that had some of Fred's looks to them but, most of all since they are mixed, they had markings I had never seen before. She had one pup with one brownish eye (I had to say brownish because I got flagged for being inappropriate for typing the first 5 letters in brownish) and one bright blue eye and the rest of him looked like exactly Fred. Pebbles' ears are long and she keeps them back for the most part but, when she perks them up to listen, one goes all the way up and the other one flops forward...totally cute by the way. I told every single buyer what my dogs are and where I got them. There were no secrets as to what they were bred with or why some of the pups don't look like their parents. It just happens, I'm thinking due to past blood lines? For example, Wilma is Blue Heeler and Black Lab. Pebbles happened to receive more of the Black Lab end of the line and the pup I told you about with the 2 different colored eyes received more Red Heeler. I am new to this site, today, so if I can post pics of my doggies and some of their pups, let me know how if anyone would like to see the difference in what they all look like...coming from two different mixes.

I agree. A Labradoodle is not a breed and neither is a Mixed Breed. Those two should be removed. The title is misleading by including these two mutts. I have Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis and believe that they are a very healthy breed overall. They are still being bred to do the job of herding and are very good at it.

So I wasted 5 minutes of my life that I shall never get back because you are an idiot ..thanks
As I have already stated , a pup which is the result of two different dog breeds breeding is not a pure bred anything, will always be a mutt and my spelling will always be perfect

Well "perfect" is an overstatement.
"thses" is not a word, but "these" is
",,,," is not how one does ellipsis, but rather ". . ."
I have never heard of a "labraddodle" but I have heard of a "Labradoodle"
And your grammar still sucks.
I am also sorry for wasting [u]my[/u] time to red-pencil and respond to comments from ignorant people like you.

The only one I see making childish insults and holding on to degenerate standards of pedigree is you, sir.

You make statements railing against the author, and sling off-the-cuff insults that make it clear that you consider "mutts" and "purebreds" to be less than equal. In your world, the only factor that deems a dogs value must be their parentage and their papers; mutts are a nuisance. Well it must be frightening to consider that EVERY dog breed that AKC and CKC raise on a pedestal is in fact MADE-UP. They are invented through years of artificial selection and inbreeding to arrive at a haughty, arbitrary standard, dogs' health be damned.

A little (or rather a lot) of cross-breeding is necessary if we want to keep our most faithful companions happy and healthy, and to hell with your attitude.

I'm delighted that you love mutts, so many are put down every year in the U.S. alone for lack of homes that it is a disaster.

HOWEVER, without decent breeders who keep the AKC registered breeds going, there would be NO pedigree dogs at all, something that would be a real shame.

There is room for AKC dogs and for mutts as pets, I've had both and known some wonderful dogs.
I am NOT talking about back yard breeders or puppy mills - those need to be banned, they are hell holes all too often for the poor dogs.
As someone who has been active in rescue for nearly 20 years, I can tell you that BOTH pedigree dogs and mix breeds can be excellent pets.

Decent breeders breed out genetic flaws in the breed, and there are certainly enough of ANY breed to do that, inbreeding is the fault of back yard breeders and puppy mills, not of good breeders who show their dogs and breed for the good of the breed.
A mutt can inherit the faults of the breeds as well as the healthy genes - it is a crap shoot every time.
You need to get over your prejudice against pedigree dogs, it's not a matter of them "being on a pedestal", ALL dogs deserve a good home.

Lauding mix breeds, who are largely the results of unthinking "oops" litters is a major contribution to overpopulation of dogs, resulting in the euthanasia of literally millions every year in this country alone.
Go help rescue some of those mutts - or pedigrees - instead of spouting nonsense.

I know you said you love learning new things so let me help you out a little. You are only half right. A Labradoodle (or any designer breed) is not a purebred... for now anyways. However, it is not a mutt/mongrel. It takes 5 seconds to research this if you wish. You seem to be confusing crossbreed with mutt. And yes, they are different. And yes, it is annoying when people have a designer breed and brag that it is purebred. I believe these people want to justify paying $1000 for a crossbreed (notice I didn't say mutt).

Katie will be 14 Sept.1 2014. She has slowed down now with arthritis in her hips that is treated with glucosamine. Unfortunately she has become very shy and fearful of any noise and she now suffers from seperartion anxiety. She sleeps with me every nite and has done so since I first rescued her when she was. almost 3 months old. I dread the time when she is no longer here with me but I know that she has had a good life. last Monday her buddy Santana my 5 yr. old cat had a massive stroke and had to be put asleep so Katie and my other 5 cats miss him terribly and so do we.

I lost my Kodi, American Eskimo, two years ago. I do empathize with you. It is so hard to lose a pet that has become more like a best friend than a pet. My partner rescued a puppy that was about to be attacked by a group of Chihuahuas and she has been with us since Kodi died. Izzy didn't take Kodi's place, no dog ever could, but Izzy has become my best friend and I love her very much. Those of us who have wonderful companion dogs suffer their loss as deeply as we have loved them. Just remember that when the time comes, you are not alone. Hugs from Izzy and from me.

There are so many breeds you missed that have fewer genetic anomalies and longer lived. I am greatly disappointed to see you use a designer mutt and mixed breeds as being healthy choices! There are rare breeds that are so much more healthy then those you used, even with their limited gene pools.

well that should make you very nervous.. when a vet does not know what a breed of dog is.. you should never believe anything they say. Dr Coates has for years been an animal rights supporter who believes that no one should breed a dog on purpose, She supports the ASPCA/HSUS/PETA factory fundraising machine when ever she can. and encourages people to buy their dog at the local shelters instead of from a good breeder. The best way to keep dogs OUT of shelters is to buy one from a good breeder. When a vet says "mixed breeds" are healthier run the other way

It's clear that nothing scientific has been presented here. Not sure where or how the breeds were chosen. It's hard for me to believe that anyone could think that adding to the health issues of a breed by adding another health issue breed is going to produce good health. The reason mixed breeds are said to be healthier is because there are little to no records. Pure breeders keep records. Designer breeds are there to dupe the public and boy does that work well. They get something different and special. But the truth about the labradoodle is that only 25% of a given litter can be hypoallergenic, 50% is partially hypo allergenic! and 25% is a full shedding dog. You won't necessarily know which type you have until the adult coat comes in between 6-9 months. Most of them I've seen in the grooming shop were hyper. When people have to deal with the coat which needs to be groomed every six weeks like a poodle( not twice a year), and find out it sheds too... The poor dog ends up in a shelter. It's also a cool idea for backyard breeders and puppy millers to make fast money. So they get abused coming into and out of this life.

all i want to say is there seems to be a lot snobbery over what is & is not considered qualified to be a actual breed by the AKC....get your heads out of your asses here people do some internet research for yourself & look back at the history of these breeds that have natural abilities that were targeted for supreme breeding....they have in fact damaged the natural health & genes of these canine breeds due to trait specific breeding to get the most out of certain natural abilities or looks & qualities specific to certain breeds with the intention of upholding the best overall requirements set by who other than breeders themselves who feel they are the representation of the breed should be.... over the last several decades most of these breed specific health related ailments are caused because of severe over breeding of a specific breed or genus of animal for trait specific gains....50yrs ago most of these health ailments of certain breeds did not even exist such as cherry eye, seizures, ( pardon the spelling ) hip displaysia & even being born brachiasyphalis (unable to get the proper amount of oxygen to the brain to support its functions) leaving these certain breeds almost horrifically altered & different from what was considered "in their prime" in the history of each & every breed & it is very very sad & irreversible & disgusting that we have created these health problems for mans best friend in the quest to improve & perfect certain traits of particular breeds so please stop being all high & mighty that the AKC is the standard of supreme cause those are the exact regulations & requirements strived towards by some breeders that have ruined the very bloodlines they set out to perfect & improve on what may have already been at some point or another perfect standards for the breed....

I came to this site to find what is believed to be the healthier breeds. Then, I decide to see what others think. That was a mistake. So does anyone have anything to add in regard to a breed they may own and it's health issues? I had a Mini schnauzer. Great pet. But we spent quite a bit of $$ due to health issues starting young with his teeth, as he aged, dry eye, thyroid, a heart condition ( birth issue) and finally cancer of the spleen which took his life at age 13. I've never had a dog so I'm not terribly familiar with other breeds. Bit as cute and well behaved as our pet was I think the health issues would hold us back from another schnauzer. Suggestions?

Heyyyyyy, I love Golden doodles. My golden doodle is black witch is really ironic because of their title. Anyway if you are reading this and you are looking for a dog i Suggest a Golden doodle. I am surprised because i thought golden doodles would be in the slide show up above. Anyway my dog is 6 years old and she hasn't gotten sick in a few years sooo Yha! Hope I helped or Somthing

Sorry Everyone my dog is up there. 2nd to the last. By the Way a funny fact about golden doodles is that they sleep in all different positions EX: On their back paws up, sideways against something (couch). They act like people. They also act like stuffed animals

Labradoodles are not a breed, they are a mixed breed, or a mutt, that people pay a lot of money for (which is silly, really). Years ago they were given away: now they're high priced 'designer dogs', another word for mutt rip off. They carry the same diseases their parents do, which makes putting them in this list totally egregious. Both breeds have problems with diseases, so why in the world are these dogs even on this list?

Seems to me if you consider 'any' crossbreed to be a mutt, the only pure bred is a wolf. Golden Retrievers were initially bred in 19th century England to be a soft mouthed retriever and recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1925. At present Australian breeders are going through the same process with labradoodles, which is a breed even if the old f*rts at the AKC haven't recognized it. The AKC requires four generations of like-to-like matings in their foundation service. Many breeders are now breeding 5th,6th and 7th generation pure bred labradoodles. Just in case you need to know, I live with one in his forever home.

For a crossbreed to actually become a 'breed', their offspring MUST produce offspring that has similar characteristics for every generation, which does NOT happen with 'Labradoodles'. You never know what's going to come out from one litter to the next, and it isn't enough of a change in difference in each dog / litter to still label them a breed, as in the difference in Chinese Cresteds or other breed that have different possible outcomes in offspring. They aren't consistent.

As for the garbage about 'wolves', as one who has a Lhasa Apso in her home, which have been around for [b][i]thousands[b][i] ot years[/i][/b][/i][/b], I can tell you you're full of hot air there.

The difference between breeding so called designer dogs and breeding two off the street mutts is the ability to pick specific traits from the parents. This is how a great many of the "pure breed" dogs were created. I am not a breeder and certainly have no interest in owning or breeding designer dogs although I have owned some outstanding mutts. I don't see any problem with those who wish too as long as they do what the SPCA would like to do with all dogs (and poor people) and put down the excess pups and culls. What is often gained from these crosses is hybrid vigor which is probably the reason the "mutt" made the list.

Those of you who are fighting over semantics or the definition of a breed vs. a mutt vs. designer dog should do a little research into how dogs become a breed. When the AKC or other organization recognizes a dog as a breed, ie. Staffordshire Terrior, it doesn't matter if it was a mix of two breeds because all dogs are a mix of some kind in history, created for a purpose, whether to bring out guarding traits, hunting traits or herding traits, etc. If and when the Labradoodle is recognized as a breed, probably in the category of retriever, but it will no longer be a mutt or "designer", it will be a breed of dog. Enough said. Peace out!

The designer breeds will prevail in the future as many of the pure breeds are developing increased signs of illness, resulting from inbreeding. I recently saw a tiny Maltipoo, white of course, for sale for $5,000.
I love all dogs, and the breed, or non breed description does not matter. The mutts I have owned vs. the pures, were consistently more healthy, lived longer, and were smarter as well. Even had a better attitude.

The Volpino is rare in America and Canada but has been in America for 100 years or more it's an ancient breed in Italy, they live an average of 15 to 22 years only one genetic disorder called Primary Lens Luxation or PLL but with DNA testing we have eliminated that disorder in America and Canada, Italy is still working on it as they continue to breed Carrier to Clear/Normal but if someone does not know about it they could breed Carrier to Carrier and get Affected puppies. So we try to educate as much as we can. Teeth do need regular cleaning.

I am less concerned about what does or does not constitute a *breed* (and I have plenty of opinions on THAT, but I digress...). I am concerned at the evident lack of research done on the health problems in the top ten group.

Personally? I consider the potential for blindness and/or deafness to be serious health problems. Likewise hip and/or elbow dysplasia. And then, the occasional seizure disorder, some random hypothyroidism - I'm having a hard time visualizing any of the listed **healthy** animals as particularly healthy, across the board. Really? Just get one of the these and you won't have to worry about health problems. REALLY???

As always, the health of the pup depends on the health of those who went before it and the commitment of the breeder in adhering to ethical standards and rigorous health testing. My last Labrador arrived with a three ring binder holding copies of the clearances for his sire and dam for EVERY SINGLE heritable problem in the breed. And he is a healthy boyo at 5, going on 6.

I just had to comment on watson007. Even his name shows he thinks he's smarter than everyone else. What a detective! But so sad he can't be a reasonable person. Feel sorry for his significant other. But something tells me he doesn't have one.

I just can't figure out why this article was used to insult people and then on down to name calling. I see this happen over and over for absolutely no reason! Why cant people read the article and move on to something else? Nobody is expected to agree with everything, but not agreeing doesn't give anyone the right to belittle someone. If you're so unhappy that you look for fights maybe counseling should be sought so you can enjoy life more without looking for a fight!